The Georgia White House

Georgia On My Mind!

2007-11-10T01:12:00.000-05:00

This week I'm back in Georgia....on a "working vacation".
That means I'm working (directing a wedding!)
and vacating!
Well, I've found time to do a few other things too...
like getting together with my Birthday Group
to celebrate Andi's birthday!
Here they are...all except Lynn (who came in later)
and me (who is holding the camera!)

Here's Lynn and Dana (before she fell asleep!).

Sheila & Pam

Okay, we can see them better now!

OOps! Who stole my camera?

Jan

Andi (the Birthday Girl!)

Sheila

Pam

Dana

Hannah Grace White

2007-03-05T01:11:00.000-05:00

The Newest Addition to the White Family:
Hannah Grace White
Daughter of Nathan & Courtney
Born March 2, 2007
8 lbs. 2 oz.
21 inches long

for more photos please visit our NEW BLOG:
www.denverwhitehouse.blogspot.com

The Big One

2007-01-13T23:23:00.000-05:00

We now have a contract on our home. The closing date AND move-out date is February 7th. In the meantime, I've got to fly to Denver to look for a rental...come back and pack the house....spend quality time with all our friends....then MOVE and fly back for the birth of our grandaughter! Whew! makes me tired just thinking about it! Prayers are appreciated....and so is elbow grease....so, come on over and let's pack together!!!

Our Family

2007-01-01T01:04:00.000-05:00

Our whole family has not been together for Christmas
in over 17 years.....
and finally this year we all met in Denver....
except Melissa (Noy's daughter) and her sweet family.
We really missed her.....and
I want to figure out how we can digitally
insert their pictures into the one below!

Noy Leon Sparks, Sr. & Ruby Sparks
Ann Sparks White & Noy Leon Sparks, Jr.
Ann's family on the left:
Courtney, Nathan Josiah, Tiffany, Ethan, Kellen, Tarin, Presley, Chandler, & Ann.
Noy's family on the right:
Noy, Linda, Mark, Noy iii, Maiza, Dawn, Bella.

This must be a new family member below:

II

2006-12-29T12:32:00.000-05:00

Okay....below you can see the difference from the
left-over snow from last week....as pictured here:
(remember the burried yellow truck that Nathan
uncovered and moved?).....

...and today's new snow:

the official name is now:

"The Blizzard of 2006 II"

It's an interesting snow...much different from last week's snow.
The wind is not near as fierce and therefore
the snow has stuck to the trees (unlike last week)
and they are absolutely beautiful!
Just see for yourself---you will have to scroll because
these are the "Blizzzard II" photos....and below them
are the pics from everyone playing in the
left-over snow of last week!

Above: last evening after about 6" of snow all afternoon
(when we missed our flight home!)....
Below: today Chandler trying his hand at shoveling!

Many of you know how Chandler's feet are always too hot
and hurting....well, he found a cure!

These are the pics from last week's snow:

Yes...it's warm enough for short sleeves!

Nathan, the snow bunny.

Nathan---the poker bunny.

....oh, and I forgot to include
some photos of Presley....
here goes:

When asked, "What's your name?", Presley always answers,
"I'm a Howboy"
(COWboy....everything starts with an "H")

A "White" Christmas....

2006-12-28T00:33:00.000-05:00

We have enjoyed our "White Christmas" in Denver....with almost my whole immediate family gathered together in spite of the Blizzard of 2006!

My dad's favorite spot: in front of the fireplace!

My mom enjoying all her Great Grandchildren!

All of the Great-Grandchildren!
(and Dawn)

It was great to have my newphew, Mark, with us
whom we haven't seen in a couple of years.

Ethan

Kellen

Tarin

Kellen---again!

Tiffany

The whole gang in new PJ's!

Ethan with his "wheels" shoes!

Josiah's construction company is called "Trailmark Homes"...
so I thought this coffee mug was appropriate!

Tarin-SuperMan!

More playing in the snow!

...the saga continues...

2006-12-23T00:29:00.000-05:00

Here are the daily updates....
well, actually, these were from yesterday,
last night, and today!

My dad in front of the fire!

The Gigantic Tree!!!

Okay...this is a great story! Josiah got the boy's sled,
opened the front door, ran & jumped
(hoping to sled down the yard into the street)
......and instead.....
SANK!
(thud!)

We can see the snow-covered mountains from the upstair's windows!

Presley-the-Cowboy

Tiffany's house.

Ethan and his friend, Maddie.

Josiah made a "sofa" in the snow.

OKAY....HERE'S PROOF!
ANN....WORKING!

The day after...

Am I the only one who is amazed at the "snow mountains" in the parking lots??

Oh My Goodness! My Word!

2006-12-21T11:14:00.000-05:00

If you are viewing this for the first time, you need to scroll down to see yesterday's posts
in order to compare the snow! WOW!!!
Sooooooooo fun!

The view from my window this morning.....yesterday the trees had NO snow on them!

Patio

If you look closely you can see the "mountain" of snow on the roof of the house behind us.

Remember the yellow truck toy on the patio yesterday...hmmmm.....where did it go?

A camera just does not tell the whole story.....this is the front porch.
There is a step down.....and beyond that you see a "grey streak"......well,
that's a hugh mountain snow drift!
And then you cannot even see any of the street.

The Blizzard of 2006 - Denver!

2006-12-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

Okay....
so Tiffany & I decided that if we were to have anything to EAT then we had better head to the grocery store before the snow got any deeper.....

This is what her patio looked like this morning around 11:00.

After a trip to Safeway....then to Costco.....we were headed back to the house (probably around 1:00 or so) and had to take a detour because one of the main roads to her house was CLOSED!
Visibility: nil.
we arrived home around 3:00-ish.

When we drove in the driveway (which was an experience in itself!)...we opened the door of the truck and almost sank to our waist!....well, okay....thigh.
Here I am playing in the deepest snow I've ever seen.

And now for tonight's photo of the same shot from this morning on the patio.
Remember the little yellow truck toy???
CHALLENGE: can you find it in this picture?

Burrrrr.........send mittens!

Scenes from the Holiday...

2006-12-15T23:53:00.000-05:00

'tis the Season...

Tiffany & Presley

here for a visit!
My boys & Livvie
(little girl that Courtney keeps)

"I think I'll point to the camera!"

Precious-ness!

Presley

the three Musketeers!

Precious-ness!!!

Ethan...
the Artist at work!

Our Birthday Gurlz out to dinner to
kick-off the season!

Friends, Ashley, Lisa & Leslie gave
A Baby Shower to welcome our new Grandaughter,
Hannah Grace White
...due in February!

(what's a Shower without FOOD! yummmm!!)

Tiffany brought two of my grandsons, Ethan & Presley
with her for a visit!

Sparklers on the deck!

Many thanks to Linda and her two sons, Jamie & Joel....
Dear friends who volunteered to come serve!

Preparations for the Church Christmas Dinner Party!

2006-12-01T10:44:00.000-05:00

A letter from God to His children:

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas", that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day , they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in, and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.

P. S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember, I LOVE YOU.

With Grateful Hearts......

2006-11-26T23:04:00.000-05:00

We spent the first half of Thanksgiving Day quietly at home....cooking! That evening we had a traditional turkey dinner with Nathan & Courtney, her grandfather, Clay Hughes, and our dear friends, Nancy and Klay Shorthouse.

Yipeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

My son, Nathan, and his wife, Courtney, are expecting ....
A GIRL
.......due February 17, 2007.

Let's Make A Deal!!!!

2006-10-04T23:15:00.000-05:00

Well.....as we sit and wait on the Lord to bring a buyer for our home (so we can proceed to move to Denver!).....we have begun to look for flights to go there for Christmas. My parents, brother, sister-in-law and other family members will all be there.....and we were looking for flights for Nathan, Courtney, Chandler and myself so we could join them. First time we will all have been together for Christmas (or anything else) in about 15 years.
Lucky me. I have gained enough "sky miles" for one free ticket....and have acquired a "companion ticket" for free also.
Unlucky me. Did you know that you cannot use companion tickets during Christmas because of blackout dates??
More unlucky me. All the "sky miles" seats are already taken for anything even near Christmas....unless, of course, you want to spend "double miles" (50,000 per person) for first class seats.
So....all of you out there who are our loving friends.....who have stashed millions of miles away and no place to go.....feel free to donate those miles to a great cause: the White House Family Christmas Get-away! (which being interpreted means: we might as well plan to go on a paper airplane!!!)

Sooooooo......Let's Make A Deal!!!
If YOU have miles on another airlines (mine were for American Airlines)....and there are seats available for sky miles.....I'LL TRADE YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Give me a call!
:)

"Ain't" Dana's 50th Birthday!

2006-09-12T10:06:00.000-05:00

The Burthday Gurlz....
Sheila, Lynn, Andi, Margie - Dana (the birthday gurl) - Ann, Jan, Pam

The Nut House
(Lynn!)

Wonder what's in those cute little pink flamingo cups??

And what has Lynn gone and said that embarassed Jan??

Oh, it wasn't what Lynn said at all!!!!!
Jan! Shame on you!!!
I'd hide my face too!

Coffee over "The Attributes of God"

2006-09-06T21:48:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday nights our church offers an informal
Bible study at Caribou Coffee in Woodstock.
This is the reflection of their sign in the window
of the building next door.
I promise you....we only had COFFEE to drink!!!
...but if you are seeing double, maybe you
had better check to see what's in your cup!

The following pictures are of the group
"fellowshipping" after our study this week.

The weather was wonderful so we sat outside!

Bryan, Kim, Bob....

Bob, Nathan, Gary....

Mark, Greg...

Suzzette, & Surita....

Mrs. Dave Mathews....

Ashley, the Other Dave, Suzzette....

Pam, Gary, Nathan, Steven....

Pam...(whose Birthday is NEXT WEEK!)...

Dave, Steven....

Nathan...

Ashley...

Invasion of the (blonde) body-snatchers!

"I......brought you unto myself" -Exodus 19:4

2006-09-01T10:44:00.000-05:00

"How we have wondered at those events which stirred us up and set us loose from ties of home and friends; and how we have marveled at the ruthlessness of those providences which sent us headlong from our assured places into the uncertainties of what seemed empty space around and beneath us. But now we understand that every experience was in God's love and for the fulfillment of His high purposes toward us. No matter what happened, we soon saw His form and heard His heartening cry; and never did we grow weary but we immediately found that strong wings were beneath us. And oh, the wonder of it! when God brought us home to our resting-place beside Himself!" -Henry W. Frost

2006-08-30T08:16:00.000-05:00

STRESS MANAGEMENT:

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised

a glass of water and asked,

"how heavy is this glass of water? "

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied,

"The absolute weight doesn't matter.

It depends on how long you try to hold it.

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour,

I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day,

you'll have to call an ambulance.

"In each case, it's the same weight,

but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. "

He continued,

"And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time,

sooner or later,

as the burden becomes increasingly heavy,

we won't be able to carry on. "

"As with the glass of water,

you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding

it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "

"So, before you return home tonight,

put the burden of work down.

Don't carry it home.

You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now,

let them down for a moment if you can. "

"Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.

Life is short.

Enjoy it!

thirty-five years of sheer BLISS!!!

2006-08-15T20:28:00.000-05:00

The Young Bride-To-Be!

July 24th of this year marked our Thirty-fifth Wedding Anniversary! Wow! All those years wth the same man!!! We'll probably make the Guiness Book of World Records!

When we met, Chandler was in his first year of teaching Woodshop at Hurst Jr. High School and I was in my second year of college at Tarrant County. We had seen each other in September in a Sunday School class at my church....but didn't actually meet until he walked into the doctor's office where I was working part time. It was at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 1971 and he came to see Dr. Burke because he had fallen off of his motorcycle and hurt his back!!! (that should have been my warning!)......and we married at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, of the SAME YEAR!!! (yes, a short 5 1/2 months later!)

We have lived several "lifetimes" in 35 years. Six years in Hurst, Texas (where I grew up); 5 years in Houston ---or rather, Tomball, Texas just north of Houston--- where our kids were born; 6 years in Lufkin (East Texas) where we built a house; and EIGHTEEN YEARS here in Atlanta! Our kids called this home and married wonderful spouses here....only to LEAVE US and move to Colorado!!! Even Nathan & Courtney are planning to move next summer....after the birth of their first baby!

Two kids and four grandsons later.....several dogs (Schnickelfritz the dauchsund, Biscuit, Abby, Jasmine, and Daisy)....and many, many wonderful friends along the way....mark the years with lasting memories....and enough encouragement to press on for another 35!!!

So, above you see a picture of me at my Wedding Shower...given at my Aunt Marilyn's house. Skinny little thing, wasn't I? (so was Chandler!!!---not pictured here, but I will hunt for a photo to post!)

Please mail all cards of 'congratulation's' and checks (made out to me!) to our home here in Atlanta! :)

The Aunts Go Marching One-By-One......Hurrah, Hurrah!

2006-08-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

Aunt Marilyn, Aunt Rosemary, Aunt Shirley....

This past week my three aunts came to visit from Texas.
I wanted to give them a real taste of
Southern Hospitality
so I tried to make every day
Special.

We visited a different Tea Room every day for lunch,
and made the rounds to all my favorite
Antique Shops!
It was all I could do to keep up with these three....

...and then some barely made it thru
even the FIRST DAY!!!!!

In our adventures, we met these
little old ladies who wanted
their pictures taken....

Aunt Fannie Mae

Aunt Lulabelle

* * * * * * * *

Then there was the Antique Shopping Adventure...

Antique wishing....

Antique shopping....

...and antique buying!!!

* * * * * * * * *

The Pink Flamingo Party!
I wanted to honor my aunts with a party,
so I invited my "birthday group" and my new
friend who was in town from North Dakota.
We had a "southern" meal of black-eyed peas,
creamed corn, green beans, fried okra,
sliced tomatoes and corn bread.
These pictures are kinda fuzzy....
but you get the idea:
THIS WAS FUN!!!!!

LEFT TO RIGHT:
Marilyn, Sheila (on floor),
Andi, Dana, Pam (on sofa),
and Margie behind the sofa.

Aunt Rosemary, Aunt Shirley

Aunt Marilyn, Aunt Rosemary, Aunt Shirley

Dana - (Margie's daughter & Andi's sister - left.)
Linda Jensen - (the bride's mom - right.)

Left to right:
Pam - (the knitter - has home on St. Simon's Island.)
Lynn - (Jan's sister - family that sings.)
Andi - (Margie's daughter, Dana's sister, Karen's mom.)
Margie (in the background)
...and where is Jan? How did she escape??

Aunt Rosemary, Aunt Shirley & Sheila.
(Pastor's wife - owns jewelry store in Woodstock -
the one who has 9 children!)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lunch at The Swan Coach House

Surprises at breakfast every morning!

Twenty-two Days Ago....

2006-07-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Twenty-two days ago I posted the pictures below of the Denver wedding that I assisted with. Wow! How life can change in such a short time. Since then, in fact it was just two days after that wedding that life went into warp speed. Chandler's job has almost disintegrated, Josiah & Tiffany have purchased a lot just outside of Denver to start their home-building business......and they have invited Chandler to oversee the project and be a "partner" in the company! What that translates into is:

We are moving to Denver!

Changes of this magnitude are always difficult....but especially "at our age"! We kindly welcome your fervent prayers.....we need to sell this house quickly (and would love to arrive in Denver before the cold settles in!)....and we need to find a place out there to live! And then, of course, we need His Grace in leaving our wonderful friends and beautiful home!

You are welcome to click on the "comment" link and post a note of encouragement or advice (or an offer on the house!!)....or a word of prayer. I have created a blog to "advertise" our house on.....go visit: www.whitehouseforsale.blogspot.com. Pray us there!!!

Friday's Wedding...

2006-07-01T01:31:00.000-05:00

While in Denver, I had the privilege of assisting
my niece, Dawn, photographing a wedding!
Here is the sunset.....and the happy couple!

A Family Dinner

2006-07-01T01:26:00.000-05:00

Mom & Dad (not shown here) arrived Thursday
for their annual Colorado vacation.
Many of my aunts, uncles and cousins will be
arriving over the weekend for
the 4th of July celebration in Breckenridge.

A Drive to Castle Rock

2006-06-27T22:11:00.000-05:00

This afternoon Josiah decided to take us all for a
pleasant drive down to Castle Rock...which is
just south of Denver about 10 minutes.
As you can tell from the picture,
the town was appropriately named
because of the natural rock formation
that looks like a castle!
What a fun drive.......

This is what the back seat of the van looked like...
except that this is a posed photo....

...and this is what it was REALLY LIKE!!!!

Swimming, Swimming, Swimming....

2006-06-27T16:54:00.000-05:00

Presley in his new "Hummer"!

Tiffany took me to brunch at
"The Egg & I"

You can't tell it from most of these shots,
but we were either at the pool or
at the 'fountains' where kids can play in the water.
Above is Ethan - who will be NINE YEARS OLD
next month!!!

Kellen is SIX years old---and quite the
Lego expert!

Tarin just turned FIVE in June.

Presley turned TWO in January.

Grammy & Pres...

Tiffany & Josiah

This is Presley working on his new truck!!!
(this photo is for his Grandaddy!!!)

A smooth ride!

Kellen & Ethan swim like little fish!

Denver Cousins??

2006-06-25T20:14:00.000-05:00

Some of you were asking what cousins the boys have in Denver??
Well....my brother's son, Noy iii, and his wife, Dawn....
have lived in Denver many years and they have
two sweet little girls, Maize and Bella.
They live less than 10 minutes from Tiff & Josiah,
and have all become wonderful friends!
Noy is the Head Superintendent at a local golf course,
and Dawn is a Photographer (like, for Weddings and such!)
So.....here are the girls!

This is Bella....

...and her big sister, Maiza.

A Visit to Breckenridge!

2006-06-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

Happy faces because......

Mommy & Daddy invited us

to come play for the day

with them in Breckenridge!

How could you not love a face like

Little Presley....

and

Happy Kellen...

Trying to decide what kind of cookie

we want at the Cookie Shop!

Such a sweet Big Brother....taking care

of a sweet little brother!

The Week Progresses....

2006-06-23T01:22:00.000-05:00

Thursday....

trip to Manitou Springs....

picnic and tour of the "city" with

Ann's Sunday School teacher of many, many

years ago, Luann!

What a sweet time we had together with

my boys~

...tasting "soda water" from one of Manitou's

natural springs...

We have filled every day with as much

fun and laughter as we could.

Of course, there is never a dull moment....

and if one of the boys thinks one is coming

they create a diversion worthy of

a great belly-laugh!

(makes me cross-eyed!)

The Denver Aquarium

2006-06-23T00:49:00.000-05:00

It's a field trip!!!

Tuesday we went to the Denver Aquarium

with our cousins!

The sharks were out to get us but

we escaped with our lives!

Keeping the Boys in Denver!!

2006-06-19T17:29:00.000-05:00

I know all my friends wish they were here with me....visiting lovely Denver and keeping my four wonderful grandsons!!!! Tiffany & Josiah are just a couple of hours away in Breckenridge...celebrating their TENTH anniversary!!! The boys and I will be sharing our "adventures" with you thru our blog! Enjoy!

the first supper.....

Monday Morning.....going to the Library with our cousins,
Maiza & Bella!

Isn't this what you're supposed to do at the Library??

Libraries....in the computer age!
---who needs books??

Car 54...where are you?

Next, out to the playground....

...then...

to the Water Fountains!!!!

Melody in "F"

2006-06-07T10:27:00.000-05:00

Feeling footloose and frisky, a feather-brained fellow forced his fond father to fork over the farthings, and flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune feasting fabulously with faithless friends.
Fleeced by his fellows in folly, and facing famine, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy farmyeard. Fairly famishing, he fain would've filled his frame with foraged food from fodder fragments.
"Fooey, my father's flunkies fare far finer," the frazzled fugitive forlornly fumbled, frankly facing facts.
Frustrated by failure, and filled with foreboding, he fled forthwith to his family. Falling at his father's feet, he forlornly fumbled, "Father, I've flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favor."
The far-sighted father, forstalling further flinching, frantically flagged the flunkies to fetch a fatling from the floor and fix a feast.
The fugitive's fault-finding brother frowned on fickle forgiveness of former folderal. But the faithful father figured, "Finial fidelity is fine, but the fugitive is Found! What forbids fervent festivity? Let flags be unfurled! Let fanfares flare!"
Father's forgiveness formed the foundation for the former fugitive's future fortitude.

"Everything is an affair of the spirit....."

2006-06-02T18:31:00.000-05:00

"What if God does not want me to have what I need at this moment?"

If He does not want you to have something you value, it is to give you instead something He values.

"And if I do not want what He has to give me?"

If you are not willing that God should have His way with you, then, in the name of God, be miserable---until your misery drive you to the arms of the Father.

"Oh, but this is only about a mundane matter. I DO trust Him in spiritual matters."

Everything is an affair of the spirit. If God has a way of dealing with you in your life, it is the only way. Every little thing in which you would have your OWN way has a mission for your redemption. And He will treat you as a willful little child until you take your Father's way for your own.
-George MacDonald

Coffee anyone??

2006-04-27T10:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay....it's just a joke!
But to let you know...the "young people" (you can tell they are young when you stand them up next to Chandler & I---who are the OLDEST couple in the church = respect your "elders"!!!)...anyway, the young people along with a few of us older folk, meet every Wednesday night at the Caribou Coffee Shop on Hwy. 92 in Woodstock. It's a great night of fun and fellowship as we generally move from table to table or even outside talking about Life...and the Giver of Life! It's more than just "hanging out"---it's fellowship as we question each other about various topics and search the scriptures to find the answers.
So if you are already a part of this = I love you guys and cherish our time together! (thanks for letting me join in!)
....and if you are not a part of this.....come join us! We'll look for you Wednesday!

He is Risen!

2006-04-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

"Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delievered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." Luke 24: 5-6

Our pastor preached about the Transfiguration today and it really blessed me in a new way. One of the things he pointed out related to recent thoughts and discussions I've had lately.... he said that as Jesus appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration (meaning that he literally changed---appearing in his glory) he was joined by Moses and Elijah. At this point, those of other beliefs could claim that He was a great prophet...but that He was nothing more than a prophet---like the other prophets there on the Mount.
Ahhhhhh.....but something even more spectacular happened that day: "Then a cloud formed, ....and a voice came out of the cloud, 'This is My beloved Son, Listen to Him!'"
God spoke!.....and in His message He verified the Divinity of Jesus Christ....setting Him apart from the others present....and giving instructions to "Listen to Him!"

If Jesus was merely just another human being.....even though He was a nice enough guy to give up His life for you and me.......it would do us no good at all unless He was (and is) the Son of God! .....for it takes a sinless One to pay for the sins of another.

My sins are paid for.....and the Resurrection proves that! What about yours??

From My Journal....

2006-04-05T23:57:00.000-05:00

I just spent a while this evening lamenting over my heart's condition. It seems so worldly.....and I don't know how it got that way! But I'm just starting a study of the book of Joel, so I read chapters 1 and 2, only to find out that Locusts had destroyed the land of the Hebrews, their vineyards, crops, and everything they possessed.

Recently, at church, we have learned about the "essence of God"...which is: He does whatever He wants to do and He does not have to explain Himself to us!
Now look at Joel 2:25b > "MY great army (locusts) which I SENT among you."

Wow! Here, as in many cases, He does explain Himself. HE sent the locusts that destroyed everything HIS children (the Hewbrews) had in order to get their attention and turn them back to depending on Him!

The Message to me:
>The locusts (of worldliness) have eaten away at my heart
>God's message (Joel 2:13),

"Rend your HEART, and NOT your garments."

This is so like God and not like me. He's always looking on the inside...I'm always looking only on the outside! I would tear garments (Miss Drama)....but He goes straight to the heart's condition = tear it! REPENT!

>He always restores: Joel 2:25, 26 >

"Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten.....and you shall have plenty to eat and be satisfied."

Ahhhhhhhhh.........some real food, at last! Praise to His Glory!

Time with the Lord

2006-03-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

You and I live in a loud world. To get someone's attention is no easy task. He must be willing to set everything aside to listen: turn down the radio, turn away from the monitor, turn the corner of the page and set down the book. When someone is willing to silence everything else so he can hear us clearly, it is a privilege. A rare privilege, indeed.

[Your] prayers are honored [in heaven] as precious jewels. Purified and empowered, the words rise in a delightful fragrance to our Lord.... Your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God....

2006-03-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

Here are some quotes....some scripture, some from Oswald Chambers, some from others....that have meant a great deal to me:

A life not put to the test is not worth living.

Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His power.

For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
For it will certainly come, it will not delay.
Hab. 2:3

In the end it will be apparent that fleeting moments of turmoil, celebration, or tranquility were all merely different opportunities to come under the rule of the Lord of lords Himself.
-author unknown

From My Heart to Yours~

2006-03-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

I am going to spend the next few....weeks??.....sharing inspirational quotes with you that I have stored in a special book. When things are "rough" I dig out my little book and review what encouraged me in years past. We'll begin....at the beginning~

In the end it will be apparent that fleeting moments of turmoil, celebration, or tranquility were all merely different opportunities to come under the rule of the Lord of lords Himself.
-author unknown

Nathan & Courtney

2006-03-09T20:22:00.000-05:00

My son, Nathan, just returned from The Shepherd's Conference in California. He writes about it in his blog (link at the right), but I just wanted to print the last paragraph of what he had to say about the conference and it's influence on him. How blessed I am!

"A line was definitely drawn in the sand this week. I now understand the seriousness of the call, the devotion of the life, and the urgency of the message much better than before. Was I challenged? Oh yes, challenged to devote my life to the truth. Was I convicted? Definitely. Convicted of my pride, my self-seeking and my self-love. Have I been called? By all means. I have been called to spend my entire life in study, to spend my life in service to others, and to devote myself to rightly dividing the word of truth. I would rather die than be hindered from preaching the truth. Have I been tested? No question. The gauntlet has been set forth before me. Only a wicked and lazy servant would turn from what God has called."

My Car Battery is Dead...now what?

2006-03-03T07:09:00.000-05:00

Nothing is more irritating that a flat tire....or my car battery being dead as I'm headed out the door! Why does it happen? What am I to learn? .....well, my answer to that is: Life Happens, Deal With It! But as life happens, in the everyday, mundane details, how do I view and respond to God? My son wrote me a note about two weeks ago....and I think it applies:

Nope, nothing is an accident is it? People often look at me like I'm crazy when I say that God ordains every single thing that happens in this world -down to the sparrows who fall to the ground. He has ordained the movement of my fingers on these keys right now. Does this negate human responsibility? No way, for we still decide to sin in our hearts. But it does ensure that 'all things work for good', and that God is sovereign over the outcome of this wicked world. Piper once said that if there was one single molecule in the whole universe that was allowed to roam free separate from the ordination of God, then God at that point ceases to be sovereign, and we have no hope that He will triumph in the end. Mind-boggling huh? For it only takes one small leak to sink a ship. But think about how the smallest of affairs, like a flat tire, or the outcome of a sporting event, or a seemingly small sickness, think about how each one of these things drastically changes or has the potential to change our entire lives. A flat tire changes your schedule...winners and losers go separate directions...etc.

The Toppled Nest

2006-02-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

As friends leave and move to Nashville....and other friends are saying a heartfelt 'farewell' to a passing parent in Texas....our hearts often break at the "toppling of the nest".....

Springs in the Valley – May 12

“As an eagle stirreth up her nest” – Deut. 32:11

God, like the eagle, stirs our nest. Yesterday it was the place for us; today there is a new plan. He wrecks the nest, although He knows it is dear to us; perhaps, because it IS dear to us. He loves us too well not to spoil our meager contentment. Let not our minds, therefore, dwell on second causes. It is His doing! Do not let us blame the thorn that pierces us.

Though the destruction of the nest may seem wanton, and almost certainly come at an hour when I do not expect it though the things happen that I least anticipate---let me guard my heart and be not forgetful of God’s care, lest I miss the meaning of the wreckage of my hopes. He has something better for me.

God will not spoil our nest, and leave us without a nest, if a nest is best for us. His seeming cruelty is love; therefore, let us always sit light with the things of time.

The eaglet says, “Teach me to fly!” The saints sit idly wishing that they were like to their Lord. Neither is likely to recognize that the prayer is heard when the nest is toppled over!

The breaking up of a nest an act of God’s benevolence? What a startling thought!

Yet, here is an old writer who makes it a subject of praise; blesses God for it; declares it to be the first step of my education! I can understand praising him for His gifts to body and soul; but I lose my breath in surprise when I am asked to make the first stanza of my hymn the adoration of His mercy in loosing the ties of Home!

Nay, my soul, it is to strengthen these ties that my Father breaks up the nest; not to get rid of home, but to teach thee to fly! Travel with they Teacher and thou shalt learn that “The Home is wider than any nest!”

He would have thee learn of the many mansions of which the nest is only one. He would tell thee of a brotherhood in Christ, which includes, yet transcends, thy household fires. He would tell thee of the family altar, which makes thee brother to the outcast, sister to the friendless---in kinship to all.

Thy Father hath given thee wings in the breaking of thy ties!

The storm that shook thy nest taught thee to fly!

My Mom

2006-01-24T22:51:00.000-05:00

This is one of the best pictures I have of my mom....taken New Year's Day in Denver while visiting Tiffany & her family. Of course, that little guy next to her is pretty cute too.....and how blessed to have such a wonderful G-G-Mom!!! ......Mom, I love you!

Will You Read??

2006-01-23T01:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever set out on a journey to read the Bible in a year ....and found yourself about half-way through Genesis and six months have passed?? Listen to what Noel Piper has to say and let's agree to journey together this year!

"A year ago I set out to read the whole Bible. That's nothing new; I've begun to read the whole Bible every other year for about 28 years-emphasis on "begun." But with all the best intentions, I was never able to finish my annual program of Scripture-reading-until this year. A few months ago, I closed my Bible with a feeling of immense satisfaction: I had finally read it through, all 66 books, all in a year.

This time I can truthfully say that I never dragged myself dutifully on to the next chapters. I loved it and it pulled me back day after day. What made this attempt different? I'm certain God's Spirit provided the inspiration, because I was the same stumbling Christian I have always been. But I did decide to take a more creative approach to my "walk through the Word."

I didn't begin in January. I simply let the Spirit push me into it "any time now." I began in July.

I started in Hosea and read to the end of the Old Testament. I knew what had become of my efforts before when I had started quite literally, "in the beginning." I also knew there were chunks of the minor prophets I had never laid eyes on. There's something intriguing about unknown territory.

I didn't try to read books in sequence. After Leviticus, I was ready for some adventure in Acts. I completed one book before I began another, except for the Psalms and Proverbs which I read in scattered chunks whenever I wanted to.

I felt free to skim repetitive sections (like genealogies and censuses). But I did skim carefully enough to catch any unusual information that might have been stuck in unexpectedly.

I didn't divide the Bible into 365 equal segments. Sufficient to the day was the amount I could make time for. I have discovered when using daily reading guides that nothing kills my incentive like falling a few days behind and feeling under pressure to "catch up."

I kept my Bible handy. I often dropped it in my purse if I thought I might have reading time while I was out. At home, the Bible belonged on the kitchen counter-opened to the right place. Many times it called me away from dishwashing and into my easy chair.

I often took along only the Bible as reading material. This has been true for times as short as a ten-minute wait in the doctor's office and as long as a week's vacation. A bookaholic needs no encouragement to pick up something, anything, to read. And when there's only one book at hand, the choice is clear. And who can resist it?

All of those helped, but here was the most important difference from other efforts to read through the Bible. This time, I became a hunter, and my blue highlighter was my weapon. The prey was God's attributes. I set out to underline everything the Bible says about God (didn't want to set my sights too narrow!). I made blue stripes through all the names of God, word pictures about him, what he likes and dislikes, how he reacts to faithfulness and to sin. I was on my third pen when I finished.

This "hunt for God" was irresistible to me. It drew me like a magnet. And once I was inside the pages, it kept my mind moving-no more drowsing and waking up two chapters later.

My Bible's flyleaves are filled with lists. As I read, I found I didn't want to lose what I was finding out about God. I made lists of God's names (I found over 200 names, phrases and variations that referred to him), Jesus' names (about 140), and the Spirit's names (about 35). There is also a list of pictures used to describe God (shepherd, potter, eagle, farmer, husband, nursing mother . . . ). Another list is of references for passages so beautiful I knew I'd want to find them again.

I used my "finds" to focus my thoughts on God. From my daily reading, I could choose a name or description of God and think of him in those terms all day. For instance, on a vacation afternoon when my four boys had been out of school one day too long, it helped to know God as a Rock who cannot be shaken. Or when we couldn't see our way clear toward a decision we had to make, we still knew that God is our Light and our Salvation.

Fall 2003

This year? I recently picked up an inexpensive paperback Bible and a new pink marking pen. This year I think I'll hunt for God's presence—all the times and circumstances when he promises he will be with us, that he will not leave us."

I Am the New Year

2006-01-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have -- these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity to renew you allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

Shall We Celebrate??

2005-12-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

From the scriptures we see that God set-up many feasts in the Old Testament. They celebrated seven different "feasts": Passover, unleavened bread, first fruits, Pentecost, trumpets, atonement and harvest. They had instructions on what to wear, what to eat, what scriptures to read aloud, etc. God was very specific about how He wanted the celebrations carried out…but my point is: they had celebrations (people even had time off work!).
Today the celebration of the birth of Jesus doesn't seem to coordinate with any one specific Old Testament feast....and yet, God seemed to orchestrate an "out-of-this-world" celebration by sending angels heralding the news to shepherds and later bringing kings from foreign lands bearing gifts. The world has followed suit by using music and the giving of gifts---which is, more often than not, corrupted by drunken materialism.
So, the question to be considered is: should we celebrate His birth? …and, if so, how do we best do that?
You are so right: it is a great struggle. In our singing and our giving we tend to blend right in with the rest of the world. We stress, over-eat, over-spend, wink at Santa Claus, and end up hating or resenting the whole thing that should have made us more joyful, peaceful, and rested! (Resting in the finished work of the cross!) But that’s just it: it’s the cross, His DEATH and RESURRECTION, which made His BIRTH meaningful to begin with! Without His death and resurrection, which paid for our sin and set us free from its bondage, His birth would just be like any other baby in history. Further, without the uniqueness of His virgin birth, His death would mean nothing because then He would have been just like the rest of us…hopelessly lost in our own sin.
Therefore, I believe that any celebration of His birth---without the corresponding celebration of His death and resurrection---is meaningless. We must not leave Him “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”, without pointing to the grave clothes in the empty tomb! ……and because of that….we sing and give gifts of celebration!

An Old-Fashioned Christmas...or is it?

2005-12-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Toys from our past~

Every year I just love seeing how other people decorate their homes for Christmas. The lights, the colors, the glow of candles, the music....all creates an atmosphere of joy and peace. Well, this year everything has changed at our house...in fact, our HOUSE has changed!....therefore, I took a new turn ("twist"??) in decorating for Christmas. What do you think?

Let's see....now how many wise men were there?

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

2005-11-24T16:41:00.000-05:00

In deciding to give my Kitchen the day off (and granting the turkey 'immunity'), we were joined by family and friends at the Villa Christina restaurant in Atlanta for a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner together. They served everything from the traditional turkey & stuffing to shrimp, salmon, mussles (I don't even know how to spell that!), and prime rib! Yum! Roll call: Leon, Ruby, Chandler, Ann, Nathan, Courtney, and Clay (Courtney's Grandfather).
{click on photos to enlarge}

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Courtney & her Grandfather, Clay

Mom & Dad

the Big Cheese...and the First Lady

Nathan & Courtney

Out in the gardens at the Villa Christina Restaurant...

Mom & Dad

This is a great photo of our family...but unfortunately Courtney's
grandfather, Clay, is hidden behind Ann!

An empty plate??

2005-11-17T20:53:00.000-05:00

When the napkins are folded and the plates are empty.....what will be said of Thanksgiving Day? Delicious food? Yummy desserts? Will it just be another holiday spent with the same ol' people you see from day to day?

Why not put a new "twist" in your Thanksgiving menu? Why not make it a point to honor those who brought you into this world by GETTING TO KNOW THEM?!

In the November issue of REAL SIMPLE magazine they share dozens of questions that are great conversation starters....and the answers your loved ones give may just prove that the people you think you already know are even more fascinating than you ever imagined! Let me share a few:

What was your childhood home like? neighborhood? school?
Other than family, who were the most important people in your life?
What were the happiest times of your childhood?
What were your biggest disappointments?
When you were a kid, what did you imagine your adult life would be like?

What was your first job and how did you get it?
Was there one person----a mentor, maybe---who had a big impact on your life??
What was the best job you ever had?....the worse?
If you had it all to do over again, would you choose the same path?

Were you and your spouse in love from the start, or did the relationship take time?
Over the years, what was the most rewarding thing about raising kids?...the toughest?
What do you remember as the best times you had as a family?
Which family vacation was your favorite?
Did you dream about doing anything special once you all grew up?
How are you like your parents? How are you different?
Which side of the family are you most like?

Who knows you better than anyone?
Other than family, who are the most important people in your life right now?
Who makes you laugh the hardest?
Do you have a favorite book? author? movie? song?
What is the most amazing place you've ever seen?
If you could go somewhere you have never been, where would it be?
If you could have lived in another age, what would it have been?
What is your most beloved personal possession?
What is the bravest thing you've ever done?
The scariest? The dumbest?
Is there anything you always wanted to do but never did?
What would I be surprised to learn about you?

What were the best years of your life?
What was the hardest decision you've made?
What do you consider to be your strongest character traits?
What do you consider to be the most important world events of your lifetime?
What do you hope to be remembered for?

I'll just go ahead and tell you....for some reason I had such grand dreams about life. I guess I thought I would really make an impact on history. (I'm not sure HOW I thought I'd do it!) I thought I would probably speak to thousands of people who would gather to hear "my" wisdom. (cough, cough)

Ha! Somehow diapers and runny noses and homeschool preparations and dirty dishes....and oh, those mountains of laundry....brought me back down to earth pretty quickly. But now that I'm definitely "over the hill" and see full well that those dreams will never be fulfilled, I realize that life is much deeper....much richer than that. In fact, I believe it's in the simplicity of life that real fulfillment comes. I believe it's in the mundane that we discover that our impact on history is through the influence we have on the lives around us.....those who live in the next room and those who sit at our Thanksgiving table. But how can we have an impact on them...or them on us....if we don't get to KNOW them?

So, before the Big Day, you may want to print the list of questions, cut them into strips and let family members pick one out of a hat! ...or maybe display them on a side table in the family room and have everyone select one they want to ask---or answer---over turkey dinner. However you plan it, allow it to create an atmosphere of love and acceptance......and gratitude for those our Lord has brought together to be called "family". I'll bet you will be surprised at what an impact they have had on your life....and what an influence you have had in theirs!

Happy Thanksgiving to all from The Georgia White House~

P.S> Please go to "www.cookthegoose.blogspot.com" to view and SHARE your yummy Thanksgiving receipes!

Flammily News

2005-11-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

Pictured here are the two run-aways who are thought to be the ones who kidnapped four young boys from their grandmother's house in Georgia.
Below you will see pictures of the boys who disappeared sometime in mid June of this year. As you can see, they have been neglected, starved and deprived of having any fun at all.
Soon we will post pictures of the saddened grandparents....who, out of grief, have moved out of the family home and into a small bungelow where they have become hermits in Woodstock, Ga.
Many say they will never recover from their grief until presented with grandchildren from their son, Nathan, and his wife, Courtney. (pictured below also)

2005-11-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

Surprise! Surprise!

2005-11-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

Lunch with Noel, Presley, Tiffany & Nathan. . .

Is this not the most precious little face you have ever seen????

Tiffany & Presley made a surprise visit over the weekend and we had a wonderful time together! I was so shocked when she appeared at a recent birthday party I attended...that I was actually speechless! (can you believe it??) Bye, bye, sweetie.....see you again Thanksgiving!

Be Still

2005-11-02T23:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Child,
God does not say today, "Be strong;"
He knows your strength is spent; He knows how long
The road has been, how weary you have grown,
For He who walked the earthly roads alone,
Each bogging lowland, and each rugged hill,
Can understand, and so He says, "Be still,
And know that I am God." The hour is late,
And you must rest awhile, and you must wait
Until life's empty reservoirs fill up
As slow rain fills an empty upturned cup.
Hold up your cup, dear child for God to fill.
He only asks today that you be still.

~Grace Noll Crowell

"I Can't Find a Thing To Wear!"

2005-10-26T08:31:00.000-05:00

Over the past several weeks after the devastation from hurricane Katrina, I have been asked “how can we help the victims and what do they REALLY need that’s not on your list?” Many, many of you have donated money and supplies through your various churches and schools….and others have brought supplies for us to take directly to the community at Lake Shore Baptist Church. When I went with a team to the area last week I took a couple of very ‘unusual’ items not knowing if they would be needed at all, and when I gave them to the person in charge the response was, “YES! We know someone right now who is needing this very thing!” (I took insulin needles---and a diabetic there was in great need of them!) So, my answer is: bring what the Lord directs you to bring. If something is on your mind...and not on the list....bring it anyway. All you have to do is think about what you do in the morning to get ready for the day.....from the type of clothing you wear to suit the weather outside (because they live outside EVERYDAY)....to the "tools" you use to do your daily chores. They need it all!

Here's the latest update of needs:

"Because of enclosures now on the church site, we are able to take clothing items, which are greatly needed. Critical items include coats, shoes, new underwear, blankets and linens. Cleaning supplies such as bleach, mops, brooms, etc. are also in short supply."

What will you wear today since the weather has turned cold? Will sandals do?.....a short-sleeved shirt? Or do I need longjohns and a sweatshirt? Keep in mind that before the storm hit, the people left their homes in the midst of 95+ degree weather....with only one or two changes of clothing. And don't forget that they probably didn't pack a blanket......or a broom!

Contact me if you have things to donate and we will make arrangements to connect to get the items for the next trip down. THANKS!

Rest ---whatz that??

2005-10-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

It has been almost a week since we made our way to the Hurricane Zone at Lake Shore, Mississippi and yet we are still in "recovery mode." Pictured here, Chandler is standing in front of a lot that he spent a whole day attacking with a chain saw! Believe it or not, he made alot of progress! Next, you see him trying to cool-off by taking refuge in one of the Quonset Huts! We almost had to hog-tie the guys to get them to take even a few minute's break.

In the sermon today (back home in Georgia), Dave preached on the much needed subject of "Rest". I always find it interesting when he is preaching through a book and each week the subject seems to fit right in with what is going on in the world...or in my life!

The sermon brought to mind a page out of an old devotional book....let me share it with you:

"What is rest? -To step out of self-life into Christ-life; to lie still, and let Him lift you out of it; to fold your hands close, and hide your face on the hem of His garment; to let him lay His cooling, soothing, healing hands upon your soul, and draw all the hurry and fever from its veins; to realize that you are not a mighty messenger, an important worker of His, full of care and responsibility, but only a little child, with a Father's gently bidding to heed and fulfill; to lay your busy plans and ambitions confidently in His hands, as a child brings its broken toys at its mother's call; to serve Him by waiting; to praise Him by saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy;" to cease to hurry, so you may not lose sight of His face; to learn to follow Him, and not to run ahead of orders! to cease to live in self and for self, and to live in Him and for Him; to love His honor more than your own; to be a clear medium for His life-tide to shine and glow through. This is consecration, this is rest!"

It's UnAmerican. Not defined. Not taught. Highly criticized. Rarely----except on this occasion---preached in our churches.

So, Lord, teach me that I am Your little child. You worked six days creating all that there is....and waited until the last day of creation to make man....and what was his first assignment?? The Sabboth Day of Rest!

"Our God is an Awesome God. . ."

2005-10-20T23:34:00.000-05:00

It will take more than a few words....with pictures attached....to tell about our mission trip to the Hurricane Zone of "Katrina." What God is doing there will be celebrated by the saints in Eternity...and the stories will spread throughout His Kingdom!

I'll begin....at the beginning! Well, you would have to go to www.elbourne.org and look through the archives to get a real picture of "the beginning" of what God is doing at LakeShore Baptist Church in Mississippi (just 45 minutes east of New Orleans...or "N'ah-linz" as they say!) since Katrina came visiting. But this was the site at our arrival....and you will see that our team jumped right in helping those in need....

Our team split up and went in many different directions: First, two Quonset Huts were erected....one to be used for church services and the other as a "store" for those in need to come take freely. The young ladies in our group spent each day sorting and sizing clothes and moving and organizing baby items and food. Some of our men used chain saws & bobcats to clear land, others repaired neighbor's houses, a couple of ladies visited church members ministering to their needs, and still others (myself included) were driven to New Orleans to help the pastor's wife, Courtney....all working as various functions of the Body of Christ doing the basic mundane things of life....blessing and being blessed.

We also met wonderful people: James & Mrs. Bea, who are the "managers" distributing supplies at the church site. John, whose lifestyle is the very basics, spends his days writing letters to prisoners all over the nation. Kate & Henry lost their home on the beach....but she's a nurse using her knowledge to help those with medical problems....and he's an electrician who hooked-up the air conditioner in the Quonset Huts.

Then there were others whom God brought into the area from far away places.....a lady from California who came with a group to help another church but heard about what is going on at Lake Shore and had to come see for herself! Shaunna & Hank who were driving to Florida from Missouri and decided that they could bring some supplies by "on their way"....(they unloaded a horse trailer packed with donations from churches in their area.) I can't leave out the young men from Montana working for the Forestry Department who brought truckloads of food and supplies and even joined us for worship on Sunday. Our pastor is correct in saying that Lake Shore Bapt. is "the only show in town" there. I think FEMA has even decided that the church grounds will now be THE distribution site for water!

God is pouring out His blessing...."Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return." Luke 6:38.

The stories will be etched in my memory for the rest of my life....and the scripture that comes to mind is from Psalms 29:10 - "The Lord sat as King at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever."

The Abominable Snowman

2005-10-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

All my boys in the snow!

Mississippi Mission Trip Next Weekend

2005-10-09T15:51:00.000-05:00

Okay....I just returned from St. Simon's Island where I spent several days with friends relaxing IN THE RAIN!!! "Tammy" visited us with over 10 inches of rain in 48 hours! (so we weren't exactly lounging on the beach!---although the rain didn't stop us from having a good time!)
And now it's time to hit the ground running....as we leave this next weekend for the Hurricane Zone to minister to folks who are probably sick of "being at the beach"! Nathan went with a group of men from our church last week. They took a truckload of supplies and spent several days attacking the woods with chain saws.....and came back reporting that the people are still in as desperate need as they were 6 weeks ago. The devastation is soooooo big, it's overwhelming! We have been able to distribute Bibles & hymnals (compliments of Hodge's Ministries in Alabama---Thank You!).....and everything from dental floss and baby wipes to shoe laces and work gloves! Even at that, when the guys returned they said we need to start all over and take more of the same supplies once again (in fact, the supply list is TWO pages long this week). FEMA's red tape is about 60 pages long (a request form)....and they have hundreds of campers sitting in fields ready to distribute....BUT, you can't get one until you have electricity and water. Well, (no pun intended), the WELLS have to have pumps....and the motors on the pumps were ruined by the salt water in the storm surge......so we're even in need of pump motors (anyone have a pump motor sitting around the house??). Another great need is PORTA-POTTIES!!!! So far, the only thing available is a tree in the field somewhere! HELP!!!
So, ONCE AGAIN......I am going to ask my friends (and their friends and their friends) to please, please consider helping out by selecting a few items from the list below and getting it to me this week. Remember, we need GASOLINE for the vehicles we are driving down (trucks, etc)...so even a $10 gas card would be helpful. (and if you aren't using that Porta-Potty in your back yard, send it too!!) If you know anyone who wants to lend a truck, chainsaw or other equipment---that is needed too. We also need FOOD....we will be feeding about 60 people and we need everything from paper goods to meat, bread, baked beans, cookies, breakfast & snack items, etc. Anyone have a card table you would loan us?...a grill???
And if that doesn't stir your heart.....the children will be starting school next week and they have NO school supplies. They can use anything from paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, glue, construction paper, sissors...you know the drill!
I ask for your prayers as our team goes down for four days....and I will gladly report back to you when we return! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

The Aftermath

2005-09-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday and Rita is mostly out of the news....except for the clean-up. At church today we found out that the second load of supplies is now leaving for Lake Shore Baptist Church in Mississippi. My son had established an "online" relationship with the pastor well before Katrina hit....and saw the devastation on his website blog, "elbourne.org". Just go look at the pictures and read the stories! Our pastor is planning to take the next load sometime next week....then several others are planning a long weekend trip Oct. 15-17. THAT'S WHEN I GET TO GO!!! The ladies are going to go and see what we can do to help the women organize the basics of life. You would think they no longer need basics (toothpaste, etc)...but they do! We are still collecting the following supplies and would love for you to join us in giving to these dear people:
Bottled Water/jugs of water
bleach for purifying the water
suntan lotion
bug spray or wipes
Purell pumps and individual packets
toothbrushes
toothpaste
Hair brushes/combs
Men and women's disposable shavers
Deodorant
soap
feminine products
wash cloths
towels
baby wipes
diapers
Batteries
pillows
ziploc bags/gallon for dividing supplies
Gator-aide powdered
baby food
packaged meats/cold cuts
peanut butter
jelly
Vienna sausage
Spam
Tylenol
Band-Aids
alcohol
hydrogen peroxide

We are led to believe (by the media) that FEMA is helping....but the red tape is miles long (one form is 60 pages long!)...and in order to receive a trailer to live in you must already have electricity, water & sewage! We are talking.....these people are living in TENTS in their front yards!! Water, electricity and sewage would be like having a mansion! So, as you are able, please join us in reaching out to them in any way you can!

CNN featured Lakeshore MS Tuesday night in a piece called “Forgotten Town.” Gary Tuchman narrates:

You’ve probably never heard of the tiny town of Lakeshore Mississippi, but you are unlikely to forget about it now; because no place was hit harder by hurricane Katrina. The homes in this coastal town have simply been blown away. Block after block of nothingness. Piles of rubble covering the memories of family lives…

People from here are still missing. Prayers for them are being offered behind a steeple that was recovered from a decimated church.

Tuchman interviews a few folks and shows just a small glimpse of the devastation. The camera pans across some of the destruction and then to our blue tarp make-shift shelter and our salvaged steeple. You can watch the video on the CNN web site.

"Just Another Day in Paradise"

2005-09-24T02:46:00.000-05:00

Any time I email Tiffany to tell her that we need to meet at the mall because I miss them she replies with some neat photo (like the ones I've posted here) and says something like, "Just another day in paradise"....with a note about how we need to move there!

Alaska Cruise

2005-09-24T00:10:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you that my parents took me on a cruise to Alaska in August?? Ohhhhh....what beauty! I had no idea it was so magnificent!

Katrina-Rita

2005-09-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

While you are hunkering down (wherever you are!) awaiting the arrival of Rita...enjoy my grandkids pictured here in the "Garden of the Gods"! They now live in Colorado....and I miss them dearly!

Katrina HELP

2005-09-19T13:25:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, our church has begun sending supplies to a small church in Mississippi...just across the border from New Orleans...that was hit hard by Katrina. Every church member (except one) lost their home and all of their belongings. At the present time they are camping out in tents on their home property. (see www.elbourne.org for photos) They do not want to leave, they do not have hotels to go to, they do not have stores to purchase supplies, and they are not getting FEMA or Red Cross help because they live in the country. (they are 5 miles from the beach). If you wish to send help in the form of any kind of supplies (from gasoline to shampoo!) please email me and we will find a way to connect before our church truck heads their way. We will all Thank You!!!

Greetings from The Georgia White House News!

2005-09-19T10:47:00.000-05:00

We have given in to peer pressure (or family pressure!) and have finally created our own blog! I hope you will enjoy and will RESPOND by clicking "comments" which will be located somewhere on this site! We are doing this in order to hear from YOU and see what's going on in your life too!
Enjoy~ Ann (& Chandler too...but I doubt he will be participating much....we'll see!)